The reigning Barclays Premier League champions have already had two bids for the England international rejected by the Toffees this summer, with the latest being a reported £25million offer that was lodged on Wednesday and the Blues are expected to make a third offer before the transfer window closes.

It’s understood that despite the Merseyside outfit’s public insistence that Stones is not for sale this summer, they have privately placed a stunning £34million price-tag on the 21-year-old’s head, meaning it will take a British record fee for a defender to seal his departure from Goodison Park.

City have been long time admirers of the former Barnsley man and would ideally like to see him develop even further with the Toffees, but could be forced to enter the race this summer if it appears Chelsea are closing in on his signature.